Purim in Dachau

Suddenly we noticed Chaim standing in the snow and shouting, "Haman to the gallows! And we all know which Haman we are talking about!"

They arrived from Auschwitz in several groups. Each group counted about 20 people. Of course, they didn't look like people. They looked more like walking skeletons. They had triangular faces with pointed chins, and sunken cheeks. Even the lips had shrunken to thin blue lines. The only prominent feature were their eyes; they were unusually large and with a strange sheen, almost luminous. They were known in concentration camp slang as "Musselman." That was usually the last stage before death.

They spoke Yiddish with an accent, which to us Lithuanian Jews, sounded strange. They told us that they came from the ghetto of Lodz through Auschwitz, before they were sent to our camp. Our camp was known as the "Outer camp of Dachau, #10" and it was situated near the picturesque town of Utting, by lake Amersee.

Our camp was sitting in the middle of a small forest with surrounding green meadows and beautiful landscapes.

I remember the day when we were brought there, I thought to myself, "How can anything bad happen to us among all this beauty?"

I soon found out that the beauty was in the landscape only. The Germans in charge of us were sadists and murderers.

The Lodz people fell into the same deceptive trap. They thought that after Auschwitz, our camp looked like paradise. Most of them died soon after their arrival, from hard labor, beatings and starvation. But they preferred to die here than in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.

It was from them that we heard the incredible stories of gas chambers and crematoriums, where thousands of our people were murdered every day.

Some of them told us that they were standing naked before the gas chambers when they were suddenly ordered to get dressed and were sent to our camp. The Germans must have been really desperate for workers to send these walking skeletons all the way from Poland.

Around March 1945, there were only a few of them left alive. One of them was known as "Chaim the Rabbi." We never found out whether he was actually a rabbi, but he always washed his hands and made a blessing before eating. He knew the dates of the Jewish calendar, and also knew all the prayers by heart. From time to time when the Germans were not looking, he would invite us to participate in the evening prayers.

Our Jewish camp commander, Burgin, heard about him and tried to get him easier jobs. Most people died when they had to carry a 100 pounds of cement sacks on their backs, or other chores of heavy labor. He wouldn’t have lasted a day on a job like this. He once told me that if he would survive, he would get married and have at least a dozen children.

Around the middle of March, we were given a day off. It was a Sunday. The camp was covered with snow, but here and there the first signs of spring was in the air. We heard vague rumors of the American breakthrough into Germany and a glimmer of hope was kindled in our hearts.

After breakfast, consisting of a slice of moldy bread, a tiny piece of margarine, and brown water known as "Ersatz Coffee," we returned to our barrack to get some extra sleep.

Suddenly we noticed "Chaim the Rabbi" standing in the snow and shouting, "Haman to the gallows! Haman to the gallows!"

"Fellow Jews, what is the matter with you?! Today is Purim! Let us make a Purim Shpiel!"

He had on his head a paper crown made out of a cement sack, and he was draped in a blanket that had cut out stars from the same paper attached to it.

We stood like petrified before this strange apparition, barely able to trust our eyes, while he performed a dance in the snow, singing: "I am Achashverosh, Achashverosh, the king of the Persians!"

Then he stood still, straightened himself out, chin pointed to the sky, his right arm extended in an imperial gesture and shouted: "Haman to the gallows! Haman to the gallows! And when I say 'Haman to the gallows,' we all know which Haman we are talking about!"

We were sure that he has lost his wits, as so many did in these impossible times. By now there was about 50 of us standing gaping at the "rabbi," when he said: "Yidden wos iz mit ajch! Fellow Jews, what is the matter with you?! Today is Purim! Let us make a Purim Shpiel [a Purim play]!"

Then it dawned on us that back home, a million years ago, this was the time of the year when we children were dressing up for Purim, playing and eating Hamantaschen. The "rabbi" remembered the exact date according to the Jewish calendar. We hardly knew what day it was.

Chaim then divided the roles of Queen Esther, Mordechai, Vashti and Haman among the onlookers. I was honored to receive the role of Mordechai, and we all ended up dancing in the snow. So we had our Purim Shpiel in Dachau.

But that was not the end of the story. The "rabbi" promised us that we will get today our "Mishloach Manot," our gifts of food, and we thought that it was hardly likely to happen.

But, miracle of miracles, the same afternoon, a delegation of the International Red Cross came to the camp. It was the first time that they bothered about us. Still, we welcomed them with open arms, because they brought us the "Mishloach Manot" that the "rabbi" had promised.

Here we were starving to death, and suddenly on Purim, we received these heavenly gifts.

Each one of us received a parcel containing a tin of sweet condensed milk, a small bar of chocolate, a box of sugar cubes, and a pack of cigarettes. It is impossible to describe our joy! Here we were starving to death, and suddenly on Purim, we received these heavenly gifts. Since then, we never doubted the "rabbi."

His prediction also came true. Two months later Haman/Hitler went to the gallows, and shot himself in Berlin, while we, those of us who were still alive, were rescued by the American army, on May 2, 1945.

I lost track of "Chaim the Rabbi" on our Death March from Dachau to Tyrol, but I hope that he survived and had many children as he always wanted. I always remember him when Purim comes around, for the unforgettable Purim Shpiel in Dachau.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Mr. Ganor kept a diary while in the Kovno ghetto, promising his friends that
if he should survive the Holocaust, he would tell the world what happened.
For 50 years, he shied away from the subject until a historian came to
Jerusalem with the person who saved his life at the end of the World War
Two. He was a Japanese American soldier by the name of Clarence Matsomura of
the 522 artillery battalion. This emotional reunion resulted in the
publication of his diary, "Light One Candle."

Mr. Ganor's diary has been recommended by Eli Wiesel and is taught in high
schools in Germany and Japan. He has fulfilled his promise to his perished
friends, finally lighting one candle for them.

Visitor Comments: 42

(42)
David M West,
March 2, 2011 11:40 AM

Amazing " coincidences"

In 2007 I came across the account on your web site about Purim in Dachau and Solly Ganors book which I read
I wasamazed to discover that he came from Kovno and was in the same Ghetto as my dear Jewish friend Sara Elkes father Elchnanan Elkes who was the head of the Ghetto in Kovno elected to that position by the people in the Ghetto and who died in Dachau There is a Lecture every year in Leicester University UK in honor of Elchanan and Miriam Elkes

(41)
elisabeth,
March 8, 2009 8:16 AM

Thank YOU !!!

This story is about TRUE courage. It inspires and strengthens.

(40)
Anonymous,
March 23, 2008 8:36 AM

The 'Rabbi' spoke prophetically indeed.

(39)
Linda Rivera,
March 7, 2007 8:43 PM

Strength and Courage in the midst of great suffering

Chaim's strong faith in G-D is an inspiration! If only Chaim could be traced if he is still alive. I want very much to meet Solly Ganor. I have read other articles by Solly Ganor - they are wonderful.

(38)
Anne Kraemer,
March 4, 2007 9:02 PM

A TRUE WITNESS TO THE G-D OF YISRAEL

This is a very poinant story and testimony of Faith in the G-d of Israel.Chaim to which his name personifies was an overcomer. At a time of great suffering, G-d uses him no differntly than any of the Patriarchs of old. A sign of Hope, a sign of Strength, a prophetic fulfillment. All because of his Faith. This too is G-d's Covenant promise in faithfulness to all generations. I see the symbol of strength as Chaim looked into the heavens and extended His right arm, just as in Exodus 14:8 when the children of Israel were leaving Egypt with Pharoah's army behind them. Today is that day also. G-d will triumph with His right arm extended to Israel and all who look for His coming; we have only to raise our eyes and hands.It is good this story was not lost.

(37)
Jeanne Meyer-Chauval,
March 4, 2007 8:39 PM

this article about Dachau makes me humble

I am overwhelmed with the courage of so many in the face of a slow lingering death, it makes me think of my own Polish family members who died in this way in the concentration camps. I find the strength of mind in their suffering always remaining so faithful to to Him, and am proud to be who I am, and where I have come from. One day, maybe I will find such courage in myself.

(36)
David M.West,
March 1, 2007 12:22 PM

Dr.Elkhanan Elkes the elected head of Kovno Ghetto

I read the amazing account of Purim in Dachau by Solly Ganor with great interest.I have the privilege of being a friend of Sara Elkes the daughter of the late Dr.Elkhanan Elkes who was the reluctantly elected head of the Kovno Ghetto. He died in Landsberg-Dachau in 1944 on hunger strike in protest against the Nazi,s treatment of his people.Each year at Leicester University in England there is a Holocaust lecture given in memory of Dr.Elkes and his wife Miriam.The following books bear this record-A Sacred Memory Lectures in Honour of Elkhanan and Miriam Elkes.Edited by Professor Aubrey Newman and Barbara Butler ISBN:1 873372 20 5and Values, Belief and Survival Dr.Elkhanan Elkes and The Kovno Ghetto. A Memoir by his son Dr. Joel Elkes.ISBN: 0 9531249 0 8.

(35)
Anonymous,
February 28, 2007 8:10 AM

This Story Is Really Touching To Me

This Story is really touching to me. I'm glad that one person had the hope throughout the tribulations that happended. Someone knows the true meaning of hope and I think the rabbi showed it. *May he rest in peace*

(34)
Leila Smith,
February 27, 2007 3:33 PM

Very important for our children and descendants to know and to understand.

Thank you for supplying this message. We must understand and remember this information and pass it down to our children and not let them forget. They must pass it down to their children so that it can never happen again.

(33)
Char,
February 27, 2007 9:32 AM

The new Hamans on the Horizon

Haman to the gallows to the leaders of those who want to wipe Israel off the map. We know who they are! They are bold and without shame and defiant before The Almighty.

The time will come when we will celebrate the destruction of the wicked without the masks!

(32)
N. Handel,
February 26, 2007 11:45 PM

Inspiring Bitachon

Would read this story to HS students to inspire Bitachon and to understand mentality of Holocaust survivors who kept their faith.

(31)
Francis E. Jeffery,
February 25, 2007 4:53 PM

History unlearned is repeated until learned.

We must read and hear this again and again. We must have "Never Again" tatooed mentally on our foreheads and forearms. Let these be the "concentgration camp" reminders we need to tell our children and children's children.Haman still lives!!!!!! Cf Cambodia, Ghanna, Iraq mass graves.

(30)
Eliane Fogliarino,
February 25, 2007 12:00 PM

One day at the time I am enlighted.

It took a lifetime to learn deeply about my ancestors and where I am coming from since I was raised by Christians who saved my life. I want to know more and I read as much as I can.Thank you

(29)
vivian,
February 25, 2007 10:13 AM

good work, hatzlocho further!

making shalom with all Jews is what is required to make Moshiach come, bimhera!

(28)
John Randazzo,
February 25, 2007 10:02 AM

Very moving

I was very moved by Chaim "the Rabbi" and his courageousness in the mist of dispair...

(27)
adina,
February 18, 2007 12:16 PM

this articles is very nice it made a very big impression on me after i read it

(26)
Michael Gertz,
April 26, 2006 12:00 AM

I wanted to pass along this great news. My son, Andrew, who is in 3rd grade here in Deerfield, IL, outside of Chicago, used the piece, Purim in Dachau for the district Speech tournament. He received very high marks and we were extremely proud of him. I gave him many choices of what he could utilize for the tournament and he chose this piece. Now, he is desperate to meet Solly Ganor in Herzeliya, Israel one day soon. I have no idea if Mr. Ganor is still living actually. Anyway, I appreciate the weekly emails, they are very useful and the site is outstanding.

Thanks very much,

--
Michael Gertz

(25)
R. Palliser,
March 13, 2006 12:00 AM

Greetings.

Thank you for this.

I am forwarding it to my daughter and am sure whether it will move her as it has done me.

Last August I took my daughter to Auschwitz on a pilgrimage. Although we knew about it it is always a revelation in itself to see the camp site properly. We were gratified to see so many young people visiting, too. I shed no tears there, though. I had none left.

Your Purim story made the tears flow.

I visited Dachau on the 50th anniversary of the flight of my family and myself to England in 1939.

Thank you again.

Wishing you all a Happy Pruim -

Rosemarie Palliser.

(24)
chris archbold,
March 13, 2006 12:00 AM

I am a teacher in the UK, a Fellow of the Imperial War Museum who works for the Holocaust Educational Trust. I am always looking for stories like this one and after reading it I immediately ordered the book.If Mr. Gaynor or any other Survivors with similar stories would contact me at chris. archbold@talk21.com iI would be grateful

(23)
David L. Bradford, Sr,
March 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Heart Rending, inspirational

It is of interest that Mr. Ganor's diary is taught in Germany and in Japan. Why not in the United States?

(22)
Cyndi,
March 11, 2006 12:00 AM

Amazing!

This is such a moving story! Thanks for printing it! Freilichin Purim!

(21)
Anonymous,
March 11, 2006 12:00 AM

thank you

I teach in a religious school and try very hard to keep the houlocast and its horrors and tributes alive in the hearts of the children I teach. Most of them and I only hear, but do not have first hand accounts of the stories. Any chance I have to intergrade the period in our history, I try to take and I thank you for sharing your story. These are the stories the children need to hear-not the sadness but the triumph. These are the stories that show true courage and make us proud to part of the people who could not be destroyed or de-personalised. "Am Yisroel Chai"!!!!!

(20)
EILEEN,
March 9, 2006 12:00 AM

DACHAU

WHAT A STORY!! IT WAS VERY TOUCHING AND A GREAT MIRACLE.!! I AM FORWARDING THIS TO OTHERS THANK YOU VERY MUCH

(19)
Edward Zuckerman,
March 28, 2005 12:00 AM

The articles were very touching, thank you for the sharing

(18)
Mandy Davis,
March 25, 2005 12:00 AM

Purim brought your website to me!

I was sent your web link by a friend as a Purim gift and was glad to receive it together with Mr Ganor's story of Purim in Dachau. I usually cannot read or watch anything to do with the holocaust as it upsets me too much but that story was very special.

(17)
Jon D. Elder,
March 24, 2005 12:00 AM

I loved this story.

As a Catholic Gentile and an avid student of the Holocaust as well as a law enforcement diversity trainer at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, I was deeply touched by this story. I have visited many concentration camps in Europe, including Dachau. It is gratifying to learn yet again that the Jewish spirit couldn't be extinguished despite the incredible horrors that they experienced during the Holocaust. Shema Israel!

(16)
Gideon Goldwater,
March 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Who is the Rabbi in the Purim story in Dachau

I read your story and i found absolutely inspiring. It really makes us realise how easy we have it now.

Coming up to purim we have our own little miracles, but ones such as these will soon become only a second hand acount. This is why i see it so important for young people like myself to read stories of inspiration such as these.

The reason for my comment is that i have recently been reading the autobiography of The Klausenberger Rebbe. From the story there are some clear similarities to the Rabbi spoken about in your story and the stories in the book. Although the Rebbe's name was not Chaim, it might be possible that a from of confusion was placed in the story.

I would be very interested to find out if this Rabbi was the Klausenberger Rebbe. If you have any information about this subject please let me know.

I wish you a Purim Sameach and i would like to thank you for your time.

Gideon

(15)
Tashia Wallinga,
March 1, 2005 12:00 AM

IT WAS VERY INSPIRIRNG, THANK YOU FOR SHARING

(14)
Katherine,
April 4, 2004 12:00 AM

Purim in Dachau

Thank you for sharing this very touching event.

(13)
Pauline,
March 3, 2004 12:00 AM

Keeping the Faith

I now see from this story how much I take for granted from my everyday life. We need to learn to appriciate everyday and live it to the fullest. May everyday be filled with gifts...and to all survivers of the Holocaust-may all your moments be miricles.

Happy Purim

"Never Forget"

(12)
Gabriella,
March 2, 2004 12:00 AM

Instant inspiration!

Thank-you so much for a beautiful and heart-warming story. What really spoke to me was the picture attatched-
Here are holocaust victims with joy written all over their faces.....I had tears in my eyes thinking about all that we take for granted.
Happy Purim

(11)
Deborah,
February 28, 2004 12:00 AM

Forever

Some stories need to be forever told and this is one. I had read this story last year at Purim, since then I have used it many times in counseling. It has brought joy to many, and increased faith in times of opposition. May the name of Rabbi Chaim be forever remembered.

(10)
Sherri Gross,
February 23, 2004 12:00 AM

It would be so incredible to find out what happened to R. Chaim. Isn't there an organization that finds people from the war?
very beautiful and intense purim story.
Thank you.

(9)
Avraham Kramer,
February 23, 2004 12:00 AM

Purim in Israel!

The 8th grade of the ramaz Middle school will be going to Israel thisPurim. How fortunate we are to strengthen ouselves our people and our entire nation by showing our love for Israel and its people. We wll also come in the summer wityh Camp Shachar on an exciting 6 week summer camp geared for teens. The Torah and Israel have infused us with an eternal strength that no nation can defeat or overpower.

(8)
Pam Carnie,
January 12, 2004 12:00 AM

What a powerful account!

Such a courageous man of vision! This article really blesses me. I will tell many friends this story as well.

Thank you again for doing so much good in making true stories like this one known.

(7)
Shaun,
March 19, 2003 12:00 AM

Very Touching Story, should make us so thankful for what G-d has given us

That story should make us all very thankful of how G-d has blessed us that even when we think about how bad things are on us today.. we still dont know a glimps of how bad it was on them(our grandparents, parents or great grandparents) cause they suffered such great tribulation and G-d brought them through!

(6)
devorah,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

sends chills down my spine.

a magificent display of courage which was possessed by all those who survived and perished in the camps

(5)
Dov Ben Essine,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

How sweet it is

Great story.
Showing not only courage and hope
but the 3 most important ingrediants to survive
Passion-Persistance-Preseverance coupled with vision

(4)
Deborah,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

Faith will always survive....

As usual you have deeply touched my heart. I feel so honored on the eve of Purim to have read such a beautiful story of faith and courage. May all be uplifted to know that faith can never be eliminated from our hearts, and if we have the courage of this "rabbi," and exert that faith, we will move the hand and heart of G-d to sustain us. Bless you Aish for blessing so many of us. Happy Purim !!!

(3)
Jim Oliver,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

G-d was there

This story illustrates to me that G-d is indeed everywhere. When I am asked that if G-d exists, how could he allow the holocaust occur?
I can't give an answer. I don't know. But stories like this show that He was there...always.

(2)
Anonymous,
March 17, 2003 12:00 AM

appreciation of purim

beautiful story, made me think about how lucky we are to be able to run around and deliver shalach manos, I kept thinking the place where I live is so dead on purim, no "parties", and look what R' Chaim did, he made a "party" in the midst of hell, whoa whoa....

(1)
Allan Miller,
March 16, 2003 12:00 AM

Lovely, very timely to me

I was sent this site by a friend. I am a participant in a Purim Play this year, as Haman, booooo. Love the site but this article especially moved me as we are using this years play as an outreach to the Jewish community and also to raise support for Holocaust awareness in the community as well. Toda Raba, Allan